Plating and Anodizing Process Cooling Equipment

The metal finishing industry has been growing in leaps and bounds over the last decade. Advancements in manufacturing have led to additional markets for the plating industry. Hard Chrome and Cadmium plating have become more common along with the steady business from zinc (galvanizing) and nickel plating. Our own refrigeration and HVAC units use several components that are hot dipped galvanized (Zinc plated). That includes our plating chiller and anodizing chiller units.

If you ever wondered exactly how the plating process works, check out this video from “How it’s made.”

We mentioned Cadmium plating in our opening paragraph. Cadmium plating is used primarily in automotive and aerospace manufacturing. Here is a bit comical but informative video on not only cadmium plating but also how plastic can be plated as well.

Temperature control is an important part of the plating process. Keeping the rectifier cool and the tank(s) at a steady temperature is imperative to high-quality parts. Many plating companies struggle with calculating their cooling load. The equation is fairly simple actually.

Heat Load (BTUs) = Volts x Amps (from rectifier) x 3.412
Cooling Load (Tons) = BTUs / 12,000

Some system designers reduce this total tonnage by a power factor noting system losses, etc. Smart Family chooses a more conservative approach. We use the full value understanding that there are factors to consider including the heat carried into the tank by the parts, outdoor ambient conditions, heat transferred through the tank walls as well as surface and agitation air. With this information in mind, what you need is a rugged and reliable chiller to remove the heat from these processes. There is no better means to cool metal plating systems than via a tailored solution with a smart design and remarkable features. Read our guide on how industrial chillers work to learn more about the process!

Smart Family of Cooling Products is the team you should call to order a state-of-the-art anodizing chiller for a multitude of applications. We have unsurpassed experience in designing customized cooling equipment so you can count on us to solve your cooling problems. We will build a high quality chiller system based on your design requirements for thermal load, unit size constraints, special voltages, and special operating conditions (low temperature, high ambient, etc). Still not sure which type to choose? Contact our team or read our guide for help in determining which chiller is right for you!

We are proud to be the home of many of the top refrigeration technicians in the industry. Each of our service experts shares our passion to increase the performance and prolong the lifespan of both the chiller and your plating process equipment. Our customized plating chillers and anodizing chillers come at reasonable prices to give you access to top-notch cooling systems while keeping your costs down. Our rental cooling equipment includes air handlers, air cooled chillers and much more to fit whatever application you’re using them for! Contact us to learn more about our low temp chillers today!

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Applications of Metals in the Plating Industry

 

Within the plating industry, there are three primary metals — mentioned earlier — which include:

 

Zinc Plating

For more than 100 years, zinc has been a leading choice for metal finishes. It’s often a go-to alternative to more expensive gold, silver, and platinum. In fact, its low cost makes it a popular choice when you want cost-effective corrosion protection.

Types of zinc plating include:

• Alkaline cyanide
• Alkaline non-cyanide
• Chloride zinc
• Zinc alloy
• Zinc cobalt
• Zinc nickel

Due to its affordability, zinc plating is commonly used to create everyday materials, such as:

• Screws
• Fasteners
• Light switch plates
• Nuts
• Bolts
• Brake pipes
• Brake calipers
• And more

Cooling equipment plays a vital role during the zinc plating process, specifically the plating bath. If temperatures are too high, hydrogen diffusion decreases, which boosts the consumption of brighteners and additives, encouraging metallic crystals to form—and that can lead to a rough surface. As corrosion causes more than a trillion dollars in losses worldwide, zinc is expected to remain valuable to the metal finishing industry. This is because zinc plating is still eco-friendlier than cadmium plating, which can miss the mark on environmental regulations.

 

Chrome Plating

While chrome plating lacks the corrosion resistance of zinc, leaving it open to spalling and pitting, it’s a favorite metal for plating. The advantage of chrome, however, has been that it delivers beneficial coatings from both a functional and aesthetic point of view.

Types of chrome electroplating include:

• Hexavalent chromium
• Trivalent chromium

Applications of chrome plating include:

• Brake discs
• Piston rings
• Aircraft components
• Gun bores
• Thread guides
• And more

Due to the specific temperature requirements of the chrome plating process, cooling chillers are essential. Like zinc plating, temperatures that are too hot or too cold will affect the overall quality, especially in the case of trivalent chromium plating, due to the addition of chemicals. Even though chrome plating remains popular, it does face some potential changes. The development of competing technologies, such as thermal spray, poses a risk to chrome’s dominance. Thermal spray’s advantages include its range of coating materials, turnaround times, and corrosion resistance.

 

Nickel Plating

Nickel’s corrosion resistance, friction reduction, environmental friendliness, and electroless technology are expected to undergo a series of changes in the future. Its demand, for instance, is expected to grow by four percent a year, with China accounting for more than 40 percent of its consumption.

Types of nickel plating baths include:

• Watts
• Nickel sulfamate
• All-chloride
• Sulfate-chloride
• All-sulfate
• Hard nickel
• Black nickel

Thanks to its wear and corrosion resistance, nickel plating is trusted for several applications, including:

• Firearms
• Material handling equipment
• Food processing machinery
• Generators
• Electronics
• And more

Like zinc and chrome plating, the nickel plating process also requires reliable cooling systems to ensure top-notch quality of the coating. And while electroless nickel plating may be rising in use, it does carry its own set of setbacks, such as excessive costs for water treatment and low material quality, emphasizing electroplating is still the way to go for value.

 

Customize Your Anodizing Chiller With Smart Family of Cooling Products

Smart Family of Cooling Products is the team you should call to order a state-of-the-art anodizing chiller for many applications. We have unsurpassed experience in designing customized cooling equipment so you can count on us to solve your cooling problems. We will build a high-quality chiller system based on your design requirements for thermal load, unit size constraints, special voltages, and special operating conditions (low temperature, high ambient, etc).

We are proud to be the home of many of the industry’s top refrigeration technicians. Each of our service experts shares our passion for increasing the performance and prolonging the lifespan of the chiller and your plating process equipment. Our customized plating and anodizing chillers come at reasonable prices, giving you access to top-notch cooling systems while keeping your costs down.

Enjoy the benefits of a customized anodizing chiller. If you have any inquiries, contact us today, and our specialists will assist you.

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